Basic Skills for Working with Smokers

1. Module one: The Tobacco Problem

Overview: Tobacco dependence is the leading cause of illness and death in the United States. Module 1 will provide an overview of the tobacco problem including a review of the types of tobacco products and global and US tobacco use trends. Finally, we will review evidence-based strategies for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control

Learning Objectives: After completion of this module, participants will be able to:

2. Module Two: Health Consequences of Smoking

Overview: According to the 2014 Surgeon General’s report “The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress,” tobacco use is responsible for over 480,000 deaths in the US each year, including an estimated 41,000 deaths due to secondhand smoke. Millions more live with smoking related diseases. This module will review what the health consequences are from smoking, from exposure to second hand smoke, and from other forms of tobacco use

Learning Objectives: After completion of this module, participants will be able to:

List the leading causes of death in the United States.

Describe the anatomy, ingredients, and by products of a cigarette and smokeless tobacco.

3. Module Three: Understanding Tobacco Use Disorder

Overview:Nicotine dependence is increasingly being recognized as a chronic, relapsing condition similar to that of other addictive substances. Most who use tobacco want to quit but find it difficult because of the addictive nature of tobacco. Clinical approaches to dealing with tobacco should be grounded in a general understanding of addictions and specific approaches to tobacco treatment. Module 3 will provide an overview of the biological, social and psychological aspects that interact to drive people to continue the use of a substance despite negative consequences. We will explore the definition, nature and accepted measures of nicotine dependence, and review the criteria for nicotine dependence.

Learning Objectives: After completion of this module, participants will be able to:

4. Module Four: Principles of Behavior Change

Overview:Why is it so difficult for a person to stop smoking? Why is it so hard for a provider to intervene with a client or patient who uses tobacco? Module 4 will explore the complex interaction of biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to the initiation and maintenance of tobacco use and make it so hard to change. Social Learning theory and the Stages of Change model will be examined as they relate to tobacco use. Finally, you will be asked to apply this information by completing a brief application exercise that assesses a person's stage of change.

Learning Objectives: After completion of this module, participants will be able to:

Describe the social learning model and how it applies to tobacco use.

Discuss the reasons that providers find it difficult to intervene with a person who uses tobacco.

Define and describe the Stages of Change model as it applies to tobacco use.

5. Module Five: Talking with Clients about their Tobacco Use

Overview: In our role as health professionals we are very concerned about the damaging effects that tobacco use has on the health of our clients. We are challenged to find a balance between educating our clients and guiding them as they struggle with the sometimes difficult decision to stop using tobacco. The goal of this module is to present some tools that will help you develop a collaborative relationship with your client. We will focus on how to intervene at all Stages of Change and how to help a client actively explore their ambivalence about smoking.

A client who is actively working to resolve their ambivalence about tobacco use is more likely to be successful. According to clients, feeling heard and understood are the most important aspects of a helping relationship. You will learn about two counseling styles: Motivational Interviewing and Patient Centered Counseling. Both of these styles incorporate techniques that can help you listen effectively and understand each client’s individual needs.

Learning Objectives: After completion of this module, participants will be able to:

Overview: Correct and appropriate use of pharmacotherapy, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion or varenicline, can double a person’s chances of successfully stopping tobacco use. We will look at the various types of pharmacotherapy available and present guidelines for proper use. We will also look at special considerations for clients using smokeless tobacco or who are pregnant or have co-morbid conditions. Finally, you will be asked to apply this information to 10 hypothetical clients

Learning Objectives: After completion of this module, participants will be able to:

Describe various types of NRT available, how they work & general guidelines for use.

Explain how bupropion works and how it is to be taken.

Explain how varenicline works and how it is to be taken.

Apply knowledge of the use of pharmacotherapy to 10 hypothetical clients.

7. Module Seven: Intake, Assessment and Treatment Planning

Overview: Conducting a thorough intake and assessment interview with a patient who smokes is an important component of effective treatment planning. This module provides the basic foundation for the use of a 4 page Intake, Assessment and Treatment Planning form that serves as a guide in conducting an intake interview. Using a case example, you will have the opportunity to identify factors related to the client’s tobacco use, identify her strengths and barriers, assess her readiness and confidence in quitting, and develop a treatment plan using the form.

Learning Objectives: After completion of this module, participants will be able to:

Describe the process and content of an intake interview.

Identify psychological, environmental and social factors related to tobacco use.

Identify strengths and barriers to quitting.

Assess readiness to quit.

Develop a treatment plan or referral.

This session is intended as a starting point, and if the patient is ready to quit should lead to ongoing counseling, a referral to individual or group counseling, or a referral to the state’s telephone quitline.

Overview: Research has demonstrated that systems-level changes can be effective in increasing quit rates within health care agencies. The Public Health Service Clinical Practice Guideline recommends that every tobacco user be asked about their tobacco use status at every visit and offered assistance in quitting. This module will review the 5A model of brief intervention and look at those components that help institutionalize tobacco treatment. We will explore why something seemingly so simple to do can be so difficult to implement. Participants will develop their own tobacco treatment action plan to take back to their workplace.

Learning Objectives: After completion of this module, participants will be able to:

List the major guidelines available to guide efforts at institutionalizing tobacco treatment services within a healthcare agency.

Describe 3 levels of cessation intervention.

Describe systems strategies that support tobacco treatment.

Name and describe the 5As.

Identify methods for creating change within an organizational environment.

Complete an action plan to take back to your workplace that will help guide tobacco treatment planning efforts.

This is an official Page of the University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolCenter for Tobacco Treatment Reseach & Training  55 Lake Avenue North Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
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E-mail:
cttrt@umassmed.edu Phone: 508-856-4099